The clash of power had ended. The battlefield lay in ruins—scorched ground, shattered structures, and the lingering energy of their intense fight. But despite the destruction, it wasn't defeat. It was victory.
Rai looked around at what remained. This was the start of something new. A new way of life.
Kaito sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Hey, Kento… Can you rebuild this place? Everything's destroyed."
Kento grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Of course. But first… we celebrate."
Rai smirked. "As always, huh?"
Kento raised his hands, his energy flaring. The ruins around them shifted, reformed, and transformed into a stunning party hall. Golden lights shimmered, tables lined with food appeared, and the air buzzed with a feeling of triumph.
The group cheered, music echoed through the hall, and they let themselves enjoy the moment.
---
Meanwhile… In the Dark Forest
Far away, deep in the middle of the forest, two figures emerged from the shadows—Konan and Tetsuno. Bruised, exhausted, but still standing.
Tetsuno clenched his fists. "Why did you decide to retreat, Konan?! We could've won!"
Konan, still catching her breath, leaned against a tree. "Tch… You're a fool if you think that."
Tetsuno scowled. "What? They're just kids! Thirteen, fourteen at most!"
Konan's eyes darkened. "And yet their combined power was enough to push us to our limit." She paused, her gaze sharp. "That boy, Kento… he acts like this is a game. But if he gets serious, he's a real problem."
Tetsuno's expression hardened. "So what now? What do we tell the master?"
Konan crossed her arms. "We tell him nothing."
Tetsuno's eyes widened. "Are you insane?! If he finds out we failed, he'll kill us!"
Konan smirked. "No. He won't. Because only we know where those brats are hiding. That gives us the advantage."
Tetsuno hesitated, then grinned. "Hah. I like the way you think. Alright then. Let's get back before it's too late."
The two vanished into the shadows, heading towards the castle of their master.
---
Hidden Base of Getsu – A Moment of Realization
Back at the base, the music played, laughter echoed, and the feeling of victory hung in the air. But in the corner of the hall, Ayu sat silently, deep in thought.
Kaito noticed first. He walked over, sitting beside him. "What's wrong, Ayu?"
The music faded as the others noticed. One by one, they gathered around him.
Kento leaned in. "Why are you quiet, bro? We won."
Ayu's eyes narrowed. "Yeah, I know… But now we're in danger."
Rai frowned. "How? We beat them."
Ayu exhaled sharply. "Because they ran. And when they ran, they said something… 'The master will be happy.'"
The group fell silent.
Ayu continued, his voice tense. "That means they were sent by Yukato… or someone else looking for the legendary swords."
Rai's jaw tightened. "But they're gone. They won't come back."
Kento crossed his arms. "Maybe… But they aren't the only ones looking for the swords. And some are even stronger than them."
Kaito's expression darkened. "And if Yukato learns about us… he won't need an army. He alone is enough."
Ayu stood up. "Then we need to leave. Now."
Rai hesitated. "But… what about Sensei? How will he find us?"
Kento nodded. "If he can't find us, what then?"
Ayu thought for a moment, then his eyes lit up. "I have a solution." He turned to Kaito. "How long can your shadow take a living form?"
Kaito shrugged. "Five to six days, easily."
Ayu smirked. "Good. Then you'll leave one of your shadows here. When Sensei arrives, it'll guide him to us."
Kento exhaled. "Fine. But where do we go?"
Rai stepped forward. "I know a place. Near my father's kingdom, there's an old abandoned castle… He spent his childhood there."
Ayu's eyes sharpened. "Does anyone else know about it?"
Rai shook her head. "No."
Ayu nodded. "Then that's where we're going."
Kento sighed. "We can stay here for the night. It's safer."
Kaito shook his head. "No. We should move now."
Rai frowned. "The castle is far. And it's already night."
Kaito smirked. "Don't worry… I'll make the journey short."
Stepping forward, Kaito's eyes glowed.
He raised his hands—shadows twisted, expanded, and took shape.
From the darkness, a massive shadow dragon emerged, its wings spreading wide, glowing red eyes piercing the night.
Kento grinned. "Nice work, Kaito."
Ayu nodded. "Let's go."
One by one, they climbed onto the dragon.
With a powerful flap of its wings, the dragon soared into the night sky, carrying them toward their next destination—the abandoned castle.
And in the darkness, danger followed close behind.